Plan for Economic Ecosystem Around Ports in AP

APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the global shipping and port management giant AP Moller-Maersk, has signed an MoU with the state maritime board for port development in the state. The MoU was signed in the presence of chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Naidu said, “With an investment of Rs 9,000 crore, APM Terminals will develop infrastructure and modernise the Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam and Mulapeta ports. The company will establish and operate modern terminals and cargo handling systems at these ports. This initiative is expected to ensure direct employment for about 10,000 people.”

The CM said APM Terminals’ services should also benefit domestic cargo movement across India. He said an economic ecosystem be developed around the ports. Highlighting the state’s vision, he stated that the goal is to make AP a future-ready economy through world-class ports and logistics.

Naidu asked officials to prepare a comprehensive plan to position the state as the nation’s logistics hub. He requested APM Terminals to extend its support in preparing an integrated plan for cargo movement through rail, road, inland waterways and air routes.

Naidu noted that Telangana, Chhattisgarh, as well as parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Odisha, depend on AP’s ports. Hence, the plan should ensure cost-effective cargo transport from these regions. With AP’s 1,053 km-long coastline, the government has initiated a strategy to establish a port or harbour every 50 km.

The MoU signing ceremony between APM Terminals and the AP Maritime Board was attended by minister BC Janardhan Reddy, maritime board chairman Damacharla Satya, industries secretary Yuvraj, senior officials,and representatives of APM Terminals.